Abstract

In ancient India, marriage was carried out to have progeny and not for mere sexual satisfaction. Even though there was no problem with over population in ancient times, the blessing given to the newly-wed couple regarding the number of children indicates that the acceptable number was should be on control. Thus, even in those days, they were advocating family planning methods which are explained in Ayurvedic classics, provided the population is allowed to continue to grow at the present rate, then it will become like big fish eating a small fish (Mathsyanyaya), the individual has difficulty in living and may eat the flesh of other human beings. Reproduction is the essential occurrence of natural activity, like other living organism, human being has a desire to reproduce, Distinct to others he can control reproduction at his will. Contraceptives or birth control measures are the methods which can be used to modify or keep away from body’s natural fertility state and there by chances of pregnancy will be avoided or reduced without abstention of sexual intercourse. Ayurveda advocated several methods to limit the family, in this review article it has been tried to collect and compel all available classical references regarding contraceptives in Ayurveda and give scientific explanation for better understanding of Ayurveda contraceptives.

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